WITH the bank holiday weekend approaching, artists and other craftspeople from all over west Dorset are preparing to hold their annual spring Open Studios event.

Across Weymouth and Portland, members of the Artwey co-operative are holding their third open event in homes, galleries and coffee shops throughout the borough.

Paintings, photography, ceramics, textile works and much more by more than 40 members will be on show in 19 venues, including a beach hut at Portland Bill, the Water Works museum at Sutton Poyntz, the Full Gamut coffee shop in Chickerell Road and at Cat’s Porch in Lakeside Gardens.

For people unable to get round to all the displays, a Taster exhibition will be running at the Hotel Rembrandt in Dorchester Road every day except Sunday and Wednesdays.

Artwey member Olivia Nurrish said: “This will be the third event giving the chance for the local community and visitors to see a variety of new and exciting work from local artists.”

Artwey members are also offering the chance to win £100 to spend on your favourite Artwey artist. Visit six venues during Open Studios fortnight, get the artist in residence to sign your brochure and enter the draw to win. Artwey runs from Saturday until June 12. Visit artwey.co.uk for details.

In and around Bridport, West Dorset Open Studios continue this week with more than 100 artists throwing open their doors.

There is a wide variety of art on display, from well-known names to emerging artists and keen newcomers. Works are on show in studios, galleries and even in the artists’ homes.

Free guides are available from the tourist information centre, Bridport Arts Centre or from St Michael’s Studios, in Bridport’s art and vintage quarter. As well as studio guides, they give ideas for art walks along the Jurassic Coast and West Dorset.

For more information visit bridportopenstudios.co.uk or contact director Philomena Harmsworth on 07740 309607.